The goal of the programme is to help refugee families who are at risk of social marginalisation to become independent, especially families at risk of homelessness. Due to the high risk of homelessness and marginalisation in Poland, many refugees decide to travel to other EU countries but are often deported back to Poland, which in turn hinders and delays their integration. The programme is based on the premise that integration is not possible without stability and security in meeting basic needs such as housing.

The programme offers comprehensive, long-term support in various dimensions, tailored to the needs of participants. This includes:

Housing support for refugee families at risk of homelessness

Welcome Home rents flats both on the open rental market and from people who want to support the programme by renting their flats at below-market rates. To avoid instability in housing, landlords must agree to rent out their flats for at least two years.

Then the programme sublets these flats to refugee families at below-market rates or at no cost. Using its own funds, the programme makes up the difference in rent, so that the landlords receive their full amount. As the family becomes more self-sufficient, their share of the rent gradually increases, until they are able to pay market rates.

Additionally, the programme helps to take care of the condition of the flat and pay utilities. Thus, Welcome Home provides stable, affordable housing for refugee families. At the same time, it offers landlords a stable tenant and a guarantee of keeping the flat in good condition.

Social support

By entering the programme (signing a contract), the families also undertake to use the programme’s various forms of social support, which help the families to achieve independence. This includes:

• Polish language lessons
• Support for children’s education
• Specialist assistance (legal, psychological, psychotherapy)
• Labour market support (including support of a career adviser)
• Assistance with obtaining healthcare
• Intercultural mentoring from a migrant or refugee who is well-integrated in Poland
• Economic support (including budget planning) and social education

The programme has also set up a website which allows the public to read about the participating families and contribute to their financial support.

As of August 2019, the programme was supporting 10 families (53 people, including 33 children). Another 10 families were waiting to join.

No external evaluation has been conducted (as of the end of 2018) due to the lack of financial resources for this purpose.

The target group are families granted refugee status, subsidiary protection, a permit for tolerated stay or a residence permit for humanitarian reasons in Poland. At present, the programme only serves families living in Warsaw and its surroundings, though it hopes to expand its reach. Ultimately, the programme hopes to support people coming to Poland within a resettlement and relocation programme.

Funding for the programme comes from a mix of private sources. During the preparatory phase in 2016, BNP Paribas Group and private individuals provided financial support. Since 2017, the programme has operated through donations from individuals and institutions, including donations made through the project’s website.

The programme requires a coordinator, flat administrator, two integration assistants/mentors, psychotherapist, lawyer and communication specialist.